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Videos of Walter Panas and Lakeland High School Students Circulating on Social Media

June 02, 2020

It has come to the District’s attention that videos of Walter Panas and Lakeland High School students using racially insensitive language have been circulating on social media. Several of these have been reported to their respective schools and are being investigated by the school administration. Based on initial findings, these incidents appear to have taken place in the past, several years ago, and are now being recirculated. It is important for everyone to remember that any behavior that violates the Code of Conduct, and/or leads to a DASA investigation, even when school is not in session, will be investigated thoroughly, and will result in the appropriate consequences.

Given the tragic and unsettling death of George Floyd in late May, our country is upset, grieving, angry, and demanding action and justice. While these videos are never acceptable, they are particularly unacceptable at this time. No one benefits from hearing racist language, regardless of the intention. As we conclude the school year, our teachers are spending time engaged in productive discussions and activities that address issues of racism, discrimination, sexism, and social justice, among other topics, that are designed to give everyone a voice and identify ways to handle these issues productively. We ask everyone, at this time, to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Thank you.

Although our students can’t share in person this year, they have done an excellent job sharing their hard work here virtually. The seniors have each prepared a video of their research, while the underclassmen have shared their posters.

We have now fully entered into what I think of as the second phase of our response to the state ordered response to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Our initial actions supported our students through Google classrooms where information and activities were housed for students and families. These supports were never meant to be a long term response to this dilemma, but rather a support while we receive additional direction from the federal and state governments. That direction having been provided, along with Governor Cuomo’s extension of the precautions through May 15th, brings with it the clear need to plan for our students over a longer term. In addition to an expectation that we need to support students through a long term separation from school, we must acknowledge that the length of this term could extend well into or through June. (read more)